I do not typically make political statements on social media or our website, but we as law abiding gun owners find ourselves in quite a predicament. Emotions are running high, and those against civilian gun ownership are poised to take advantage of recent high profile crimes and horrific events to further their agenda.
As Caleb Giddings mentioned in his excellent blog post at Gunnuts.net, we need to take an honest look at our political situation. I agree with his assessment that we are very likely facing a new ban on weapons with military-style appearance, and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. (Where that number came from I have no idea. Why 10 rounds and not 9 or 12? But I digress…) The media is reporting that our congressional representatives are more supportive of such laws than ever, and Attorney General Eric Holder speculates that these restrictions may even come in the form of a presidential executive order. How this is even legal is way beyond my pay grade.
Meanwhile, the firearms industry is on fire. Fearing impending restrictions, nearly every military style semi-automatic rifle has been sold out of every gun store throughout the nation. Prices have skyrocketed overnight and some local shops have had to close their doors because they have nothing left to sell, and there is no telling when they will be able to restock their inventory.
The urge to “get it while you still can” is completely natural, and I am certainly not going to tell you not to go out and do so. That said, please remember to save some of that discretionary income and support your favorite organization that fights to keep our 2nd Amendment Rights. While I’ve been bit disappointed with them of late, I still believe the NRA is our most effective and powerful representative in this area and that is where my donations go. Please donate much needed funds to your favorite RKBA organization and stay active. Call, email and write your representatives in Congress, educate yourself on the issues and teach your friends. Stay professional, set a good example and hopefully we can get through these tough times without having our firearms rights gutted right in front of us.
I’ve always heard its because 10 rounds is the capacity of the Ruger Mark2 and thats why Bill Ruger proposed it.
I believe Bill Ruger proposed a 15 round limit for magazines. Only a coincidence that’s the capacity of the P-series 9mm’s.
Tim:
Thank you for your profound and encouraging thoughts in these very challenging times.
Excellent words. I have been an NRA life member for years, and sometimes it gets a little harder to send them some cash now and then. I’ll have to rethink that attitude. I haven’t always liked some of the elected officials funneled election cash to, but the NRA is still the best game in town. I was pleased that the NRA tasked former Congressman and DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson to chair their efforts, and I hope good comes from it. Understanding that it may be a tough sell these days to fund LEOs at every school in the country, but how about a federally sponsored program allowing Fed/State/Local LEOs to volunteer at local schools, provide them with enhanced marksmanship training, and offer tax break incentives? Or develop an armed school staff program similar to the armed commercial pilot program?
I have enormous respect for Tim Lau but I am more optimistic than he is. I have a number of connections in the heartland and am acquainted with several state legislators scattered across 4 central states – the mood is quite different there. The feeling is that this liberal clap trap has gone far enough and several state legislatures are introducing bills to allow the arming of educators. And while those bills are not uniform across the various states, their intent is quite the opposite of what the president is pontificating. In short this is the time to redouble our efforts to protect our rights.
Jeff, thanks for the kind words. I am hopeful but also preparing for the worst. If everyone who is clamoring to buy up every last magazine and rifle would contribute even 10% of what they are spending toward the NRA, we would be in a much better place. Now is the time to remember not to stoop to the level of our opposition and give into our emotions. Instead, lets set the example for all by using polite, logical arguments to solidly prove our position. Be safe and may 2013 be the most prosperous year yet for all of us and our great country.